lady
noun
la·dy ˈlā-dē 
plural ladies
often attributive
1
a
: a woman having proprietary rights or authority especially as a feudal superior
b
: a woman receiving the homage or devotion of a knight or lover
2
capitalized : virgin mary —usually used with Our
3
a
: a woman of superior social position
b
: a woman of refinement and gentle manners
c
: woman, female —often used in a courteous reference
show the lady to a seat
or usually in the plural in address ladies and gentlemen
4
a
: wife
b
: girlfriend, mistress
5
a
: any of various titled women in Great Britain —used as the customary title of (1) a marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness or (2) the wife of a knight, baronet, member of the peerage, or one having the courtesy title of lord and used as a courtesy title for the daughter of a duke, marquess, or earl
b
: a woman who is a member of an order of knighthood compare dame
Synonyms
- female
- skirt [slang]
- woman
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Her mother was always telling her to act like a lady. He bumped into some lady walking to the bus stop. He helped a little old lady cross the street.
Recent Examples on the Web First lady Jill Biden spoke at the third attack site, a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 
Jennifer Peltz, Karen Matthews And Julie Walker, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden traveled to Shanksville, Pa., to speak at the Flight 93 National Memorial commemoration. Ginger Adams Otis, WSJ, 11 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden spoke at the third attack site, a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden spoke at the third attack site, a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Jennifer Peltz, The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden wore a sunflower embroidered on a royal-blue dress in March of this year to signal support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden will deliver opening remarks at a White House launching an apprenticeship ambassador initiative to celebrate employers, colleges and entities across the country working to expand registered apprenticeships. Rick Klein, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden tested negative for the coronavirus Monday after a rebound case had forced her back into isolation, according to the White House. BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2022 First lady Jill Biden has tested positive with a rebound COVID-19 case, the White House announced Wednesday. Harold Maass, The Week, 25 Aug. 2022 See More
Jennifer Peltz, Karen Matthews And Julie Walker, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden traveled to Shanksville, Pa., to speak at the Flight 93 National Memorial commemoration. Ginger Adams Otis, WSJ, 11 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden spoke at the third attack site, a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden spoke at the third attack site, a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Jennifer Peltz, The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden wore a sunflower embroidered on a royal-blue dress in March of this year to signal support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden will deliver opening remarks at a White House launching an apprenticeship ambassador initiative to celebrate employers, colleges and entities across the country working to expand registered apprenticeships. Rick Klein, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2022 First lady Jill Biden tested negative for the coronavirus Monday after a rebound case had forced her back into isolation, according to the White House. BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2022 First lady Jill Biden has tested positive with a rebound COVID-19 case, the White House announced Wednesday. Harold Maass, The Week, 25 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English hlǣfdige, from hlāf bread + -dige (akin to dǣge kneader of bread) — more at loaf, dairy
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing lady
Kids Definition
lady
noun
la·dy ˈlā-dē
plural ladies
1
: a woman of high social position
2
: a woman or girl who behaves in a polite way
3
: woman sense 1
The lady behind me was first.
4
: wife
5
: a British noblewoman —used as a title
Lady Jane Grey
lady
noun
1
as in woman
an adult female human being "ladies and gentlemen, please observe closely," said the magician Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- woman
- female
- madam
- madame
- girl
- gentlewoman
- dame
- skirt
- gal
- maiden
- maid
- senora
- lass
- damsel
- señora
- belle
- doll
- senorita
- lassie
- mademoiselle
- ingenue
- señorita
- beauty
- miss
- ingénue
- babe
2
as in wife
a female partner in a marriage in public the husband was frequently seen holding hands with his lady Synonyms & Similar Words
- wife
- woman
- madam
- wifey
- missus
- helpmate
- bride
- helpmeet
- spouse
- missis
- partner
- old lady
- Mrs.
- widow
- matron
- dowager
- housekeeper
- housewife
- soul mate
- companion
- consort
- significant other
- homemaker
- better half
- hausfrau
- mate
- stay-at-home
3
as in countess
a woman of high birth or social position the ladies of the royal court were all dressed extravagantly Synonyms & Similar Words
- countess
- gentlewoman
- duchess
- matron
- madam
- dame
- queen
- princess
- baroness
- noblewoman
- mistress
- milady
- dowager
- ladyship
- marchioness
- peeress
- viscountess
- matriarch
- marquise
- marchesa
4
as in girlfriend
a female romantic companion when do we get to meet your new lady? Synonyms & Similar Words
- woman
- girlfriend
- girl
- gal
- lover
- mistress
- ladylove
- inamorata
- gill
- dear
- old lady
- sweet
- moll
- sweetheart
- beloved
- darling
- valentine
- flame
- favorite
- love
- honey
- significant other